HOW TO COLOR BATH WATER NATURALLY TO MAKE BATH TIME MORE FUN
Bath time is a super important part of any family routine! Not only doesn’t it get your kiddo squeaky clean, but it can also calm them down before bedtime and even create a vibrant sensory play experience! However, if you’re a mother of a child that isn’t a big fan of bath time, this part of the day can be a nightmare!
As a mother myself, I know making the task fun is one of the easiest ways to avoid battles like this. And, that’s what we’re doing today! I’m going to help you make bath time more enjoyable for everyone using natural water colors.
It’s a lot of fun and there are a lot of easy ways to pull it off depending on what you have in your house. My kids love it so much, I can barely get them OUT of the bath afterwards! Here’s how to do it:
How to Color Bath Water Naturally to Make Bath Time More Fun
Method One: Fruit and Vegetables
Using fruits and vegetables is a safe and natural way to color bath water. Ensure that you wash all fruits and vegetables before you use them to keep things like pesticides out of the water. It’s also super important to know that some fruits and veggies may stain your kids or the bathtub, so just be prepared for that!
Ingredients
Fruits or vegetables of choice (beetroot, spinach, or carrots are all good options)
Instructions
Start by preparing the fruits and vegetables you wish to use. Make sure you wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue.
Depending on the product you choose, either grate, blend, or juice them to extract their natural colors. For example, grated or juiced beetroot creates a vibrant pink hue, and spinach can be blended or juiced for a green color.
Fill the bathtub with warm water.
Gradually add the fruit or vegetable extracts to the water, stirring well to distribute the color evenly. Start with a small amount and add more depending on how vibrant you want the color to be.
Once the water is the right color, it’s ready for bath time fun!
Method Two: Natural Food Coloring
Natural food coloring comes from plant-based sources and is generally safe for children. You can find some more fantastic info about natural dyes within my Mothercould In Your Pocket resource.
Ingredients
Natural food coloring (beet powder, spirulina powder, or turmeric powder)
Water
Instructions
Prepare a solution of natural food coloring by mixing the powder with a small amount of water to form a paste. Use beet powder for pink, spirulina powder for blue, or turmeric powder for yellow.
Fill the bath with warm water.
Gradually add the natural food coloring solution to the water, stirring well to get an even color.
Once the water is the color you’re after, it’s ready for bath time!
Method Three: Organic Bath Bombs and Bath Salts
Organic bath bombs and bath salts are usually formulated with natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin, making them safe for children. Make sure you always supervise children to make sure they don’t ingest the salts or bath bombs.
Ingredients
Instructions
Find organic bath bombs or bath salts that are free from synthetic dyes, fragrances, and harmful additives that can hurt little bodies. Instead, search for products made with natural colorants, organic essential oils, and mineral salts.
Fill the bathtub with warm water.
Drop the bath bomb or bath salts into the water.
Swirl the water to make sure the color is distributed evenly.
Once fully dissolved, let your little ones hop in to enjoy a relaxing soak.
Method Four: Flower Petals
Organic and fresh flower petals are generally safe for use in bath water when they are free of pesticides. Ensure that you thoroughly wash the petals beforehand to remove any dirt or debris. Beware that some flowers may cause irritation or allergic reactions, so stick with things like roses, lavender, and chamomile.
Ingredients
Fresh or dried flower petals (rose petals, chamomile, and lavender buds)
Instructions
Start by grabbing some fresh or dried flower petals. Ensure they are clean and free from contaminants and pesticides.
Place the flower petals in a muslin bag or clean cloth.
Fill the bath with warm water.
Place the bag with the flowers in the bath, letting them steep like a tea bag.
Gently swirl the water to release the natural colors and aromas of the petals.
Once the water has taken color, remove the petals from the tub.
Once the bath is colored, let your kids ones enjoy the sensory experience.
Method Five: Herbal Teas
Herbal teas are generally safe for children, but make sure you consider any allergies or sensitivities. The herbal tea will be very diluted, so it shouldn’t cause skin irritation. Make sure you choose organic tea for your little ones’ skin.
Ingredients
Herbal tea (chamomile for yellow, hibiscus for pink, or peppermint for green)
Boiling water
Instructions
Boil the kettle.
Brew a strong infusion of herbal tea by steeping a few tea bags in the boiled water for a longer period of time than directed on the packaging.
Allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
Remove the tea bags.
Fill the bath with warm water.
Add the herbal tea to the bathwater, stirring well to disperse the color evenly.
Adjust the amount added based on the depth of the color you want.
Once the water is colored, it’s time to play!
How to Color Your Bath Water: Things to Keep in Mind
To add to the learning experience, let your child participate in the coloring process!
Make sure you consider your child’s sensitivities and allergies.
Avoid using products that have a long list of ingredients that you can’t even pronounce, these likely aren’t natural.
Quickly rinse your child off after the colored bath to ensure there are no fruits, veggies, petals, or other pigments left on your little one's body.
Keep tub cleaner and Magic Erasers nearby if there is pigment left behind on the tub.
If you notice irritation later, try a different method next time.
Supervise your child at all times when they are in the bath.
Make bath time fun with colored bath water!
Bath time will now be the best part of the day for your children! Colored bath water makes such a difference, and I personally LOVE how much it has transformed bath time for my little ones. Here are some more fun bath tools and toys that have elevated bath time for us! (And, if you tried bath crayons before coming here, here are my hacks for getting bath crayon off shower walls.)
You can find more hacks and sensory play ideas on the Mothercould blog! But, the complete catalog of Mothercould sensory activities, parenting hacks, cleaning tips, and more, download the Mothercould In Your Pocket resource! It’s like your parenting sidekick!